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Sunday, July 21, 2013

"Wynken Blynken and Nod" by The Doobie Brothers

Pop Bits: The Doobie's had recently released their "One Step Closer" album, which would be their last one for nine years, when this single was issued. The song doesn't appear on that album, but was part of a song collection put out by the children's program "Sesame Street." The album "In Harmony: A Sesame Street Record" featured popular artists singing either children-based songs or songs reflective of the show's message. This first installment of the LP received a Grammy award for Best Recording for Children and this single unusually found its way to the pop chart. The album sold well and it paved the way for a second edition called "Harmony 2," which also won a Grammy.

ReduxReview: It is a bit hard to judge this as a real Doobie's song because it is just them contributing a children's song to an album and it oddly showed up on the pop chart. Even though meant for children, they do it in a nice pop/AC way and if it had different lyrics, it might have been an interesting album track. I think they did a very nice job with it, but still nothing I'd purposely call up for a listen.

ReduxRating: 5/10

Trivia: The follow-up album, "Harmony 2," featured a live version of "Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town" by Bruce Springsteen. It was the song's first appearance on record and at the time the album was the only place to get it as it was not part of any Springsteen album. It has since been part of other Christmas compilations and on at least one Springsteen compilation and it has become a perennial radio favorite.